#yep that's my motto

[chussyracing]

the rumors make me nervous. If lewis goes to ferrari what if charles become second driver ???

they're doing it for the plot

[two-white-butterflies]

i can see you | dr3

Description: Secret relationship tension. You both struggle to keep the relationship a secret.

Pairing: daniel ricciardo/red-bull admin!reader

Daniel's arms were wrapped around your torso, carefully leading you towards the secluded station of redbull racing. You've been dating each other for six-months now, and due to his job and your adoration for privacy - you've never really announced your relationship to the public. It's not like they're supposed to care, right?

'Private but not secret' was your motto.

Everyone in redbull racing knew that Daniel was dating somebody - they just didn't know who.

"Can we get some milkshakes before the race?" you inquired, knowing that the both of you were going to spend the entire race watching from a tiny screen. It could get boring. "Yeah, chocolate or strawberry?" he asked, reaching for his phone to call someone.

"Mint," you replied with a smile.

"Are you serious?" he chuckled - showing you a toothy grin smile.

"Yeah," you hummed.

"Did Max really expose our relationship?" you giggled while pressing small kisses to his lips. "Don't worry, he doesn't know who my girlfriend is." he says for certain, hands trailing up to cup your cheeks. "Really?" you raised an eyebrow.

Daniel told Max everything.

You used to joke around that they were the ones dating.

"Yep,"

Daniel dared to kiss you in the open.

His lips were pressed against yours, hands squeezing your ass - while his hat partially covered your face. "Daniel," you whispered, surprised by his sudden bravery. "Y/N," he repeated your name.

He pulled away from your face - hands raising to settle on your waist. "What are you doing?" you chuckled, pecking his lips. The both of you were lucky since it was lunchtime - thus, there weren't any people in the garage. "Kissing you?" he answered.

"How courageous..." you hummed while he pulled your body closer. "Wanna see how far this goes?" he joked - pulling away in time when another personnel enters the garage.

"Daniel?" Christian raised his eyebrows. "We're filming content, sir." you quickly lied - pulling your phone out to pretend to be filming him. "Oh, okay - have fun then." he waved goodbye - not wanting to be part of another tiktok.

Daniel wiped the tears away from your eyes. "Hey, twitter is a shitty place. Twitter is irrelevant, like who even uses it?" he calmed you down - hiding your phone in his pocket before you could read more hate tweets about you. "If someone feels this about us, I feel shitty - Dan." your voice sounded hoarse from the hours of crying.

"That's normal - but it doesn't mean that you'll live based on what anonymous people say." he reasoned, already used to the hate. "I know - but I never wanted our relationship to be exposed this way." you sobbed, burying your face in his chest.

"I agree, but my manager said that this can be our chance to fuck them up. We need to own our narrative."

F1 FANS DISCORD SERVER

kittenwhispers: anyone else find it weird that daniel is dating some 23 year old 😭? - thebossdaddy: it's weird fr WAHAHA

rosesforrose: it's not weird, i think they look good together. daniel's always been childish anyways. (edited)

annieunnie: nah i ship them so badd acck

danielricciardo: Annabelle in theaters near you. 🤣

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[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Chapter 1

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there.

Destiny, unrealizable dreams, incurable disease, war, poverty…

It just goes on.

This world’s a bargain sale of despair.

And it’s called “despair” because you can’t do anything about it.

However, that’s not something I’ll allow.

If you can’t overcome despair— then what’s the point of me, of us humans, being born?

That’s why these days, I live my life flipping it off.

--

It’s been a week since I started my “sinful life” as a Fairytale Keeper.

It wouldn’t be long before I could go back to my former life after keeping this secret—at least that’s what I thought.

--

Darius: While I didn’t expect there to be a get-together soon after our arrival to England, I’m happy.

That night, a dinner party he called a get-together was held…

Between “Crown”, an organization directly under the command of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and “Vogel”, an organization directly under the command of Germany.

All members were together in one place.

Vogel had just arrived from Germany a few hours ago.

~~ Flashback ~~

Victor: Vogel is a research organization that’s dedicated to the societal contribution of the Cursed Ones. They will be staying in the palace for a few months as goodwill ambassadors.

Darius: Our motto is “the betterment of society through the Cursed Ones”

~~ End flashback ~~

(They looked friendly, not people you should be wary of)

However, there’s something that’s been bothering me for a while now.

Harrison, whose power allowed him to see through lies, said “they’re lying”— 

(So long as we don’t truly know them, we shouldn’t let our guard down yet)

Darius, who I believe is the chief of “Vogel” was sitting next to William and enjoying his conversation with him.

(For now I think it’s better for me to lie low and stay quiet)

On the table was a spread of dishes that Victor had put his all into preparing.

(Even though it all looks so delicious…I’m too nervous to eat)

Nica: What’s this? Robin, you haven’t touched your food. Then I’ll take this cherry.

Ring: Nica, you’ll get a stomach ache if you take a stranger’s food.

Nica: What’s with the serious warning, little brother? It’s just an excuse to make an appeal to be friends. Ring, you’re really out of touch.

Ring: …I’m ignorant.

The twins looked similar, with the same hair and eye color.

Kate: Nica and Ring…right?

Nica: Yep, you remembered our names? We remember yours too, Kate. Even though we just met, I think we’ll get along? Hey, show us around the palace. Let’s get out of here.

He slipped his arm around my waist with a practiced gesture and whispered in my ear.

(Wha…)

The moment I stood my guard, I felt someone tug my arm from the opposite side.

Roger: Sorry to interrupt, but Kate’s got a prior engagement with me.

Kate: Roger!

Roger: The queen’s aide’s great at showing people around the palace. He’ll be delighted. Victor, would you mind showing our guests from Vogel around?

Victor: Yes, of course! I will show you around every nook and cranny.

Nica: (¬_¬)…

Nica narrowed his eyes at Victor and then smiled.

Nica: Vielen Dank (Many thanks)

William: While I’d rather not, it’s time to call it a night.

Darius: You’re right, Lord Rex. We of Vogel would like to get along with Crown like a family. Should you ever be in trouble, we’d be delighted for you to turn to us for help, okay?

--

—In a room in Crown’s castle.

In a luxurious room prepared for Vogel, Darius sat comfortably in his chair and smiled.

Darius: What did you think of our get-together with Crown?

Nica: Amazing. I tried to lure the lrobin, but the hunter got in the way.

Darius: Hunter? Ah, you mean the “double-crossing hunter” Roger Barel. Hehe, wanting to snatch the robin* from them is quite reckless.

Ring: …About Roger Barel and that girl…are they together?

Nica: They’re not. But there’s no doubt that Crown cares for the robin a lot.

Darius: Gathering information is our main goal. It’ll be valuable material for eventually realizing our ambitions. Ring, Nica. Continue to gather any useful information on Crown and Robin.

Nica and Ring: Verstanden/…Understood

Darius: …Roger Barel. A former doctor with a strange fixation of “Cursed Ones”. Does he have a place in our “family”?

--

As the get-together came to a close, people started filing out of the room one after the other.

Before I knew it, even Roger disappeared…—

(H-huh?)

I ran out into the hall and saw his solid back.

Kate: Um, what was that prior engagement you mentioned, Roger…?

When I called out to him, he looked back at me in the empty hallway.

Roger: Did I make a mistake thinking you were in trouble?

You did that to help me? +4 +4

I was in a lot of trouble. +4 +4

You weren’t mistaken. +4 +4

Kate: You didn’t. Thank you.

Roger: You looked like a lost dog so I thought I did you an uncharacteristic favor.

(Dog? …No, I didn’t hear that right)

When I thanked him again, I saw a hint of scheming on his face.

Roger: By the way, I didn’t say I did it for free, did I? You’re gonna have to pay me back for saving you.

(Eh?)

Roger: I was thinking about going out drinking with Ellis and Jude. Join us.

Kate: Huh, now? Woah…Wait, Roger!

--

Roger: Phew~That hit the spot. The first drop of beer’s blood, you know.

Ellis: Heh, that’s what you always say.

Jude: Can’t believe he’s a doctor. Well he’s a quack.

(Before I knew it, I ended up getting dragged to a bar)

(It’s something I’ve noticed, but Roger can be a little…no, very pushy.)

Furthermore, it’s a wonder how Jude, who looked like the type to refuse an invitation, was sitting here with a sour look. 

Red-headed waiter: Here you are. Fish and chips, bramboraky(?)**, and…

Jude: Just how much did ya order? Ya ate a lot at the get-together.

Roger: I never have my fill when picking at those small fancy food.

Ellis: Are you full, Jude? I can still eat.

Jude: You��re still a growin’ kid.

The trio act like close friends…

Kate: Heh, hehe…

I couldn’t help but laugh and Roger squinted at me with a beer in hand.

Roger: The heck, so you can laugh like that after all.

Kate: Huh?

Roger: You know you haven’t laughed since you became Fairytale Keeper?

(What…what? But he’s right, this whole week, I haven’t…)

Roger: You don’t eat much and when you do, it’s like you’re chewing sand. Maybe you did…Or I should say, maybe you didn’t notice yourself?

(Tasked to keep a secret for a whole month as a Fairytale Keeper, and to record the evils before my eyes)

(Not to mention…Vogel’s sudden visit)

Desperate to just push through it all, I gradually neglected the things needed to live, like eating and laughing.

I was like a plant slowly wilting away.

Roger: I know you got a lot of things on your mind that make you anxious. But it’s times like these where you gotta work on yourself. Eat, sleep, play, laugh, recharge your energy. Otherwise you’ll easily get swallowed up by despair in this darkness, lil’ lady.

Kate: …

Roger’s words pierced my heart.

(He’s right…What was I so weak for?)

I could struggle all I wanted, but the anxiety would never leave until I’m safely out of this darkness.

I know that…but.

(The only one who can truly protect me, is me)

(I absolutely cannot give in)

Kate: …You’re right. There’s no time for weakness or despair. Thank you Roger. Now then, time to dig in!

As if to get over it…I stuck my fork into the steaming meat before me and brought it to my mouth.

Kate: Mm…delicious.

(...Somehow, it felt like I was properly enjoying food for the first time in a while)

(It’s so good to be alive and have delicious food)

Roger: …

Jude: Oi, who do ya think you are takin’ the first bite.

Kate: Ah, sorry! I got ahead of myself.

Ellis: Don’t worry about it Kate. Here, try these chips with rock salt.

Kate: Wow, this is really good! It pairs well with alcohol.

Roger: Oh, you drink pretty well. Barkeep! Two more beers.

Barkeep: Gotcha. Two large beers comin’ right up.

The golden beer and the food were delicious, and laughter reached my ears.

(...Ah, this is fun. I feel like I’m finally able to breathe)

(He pretty much dragged me here, but I’m glad I accepted Roger’s invitation)

I didn’t know how much of Roger’s actions were calculated and how much was in good faith.

But it’s a fact that his pushiness saved me.

(Roger really does have a lot of common sense and is like a mature older brother)

With those simple thoughts in mind, I continued on drinking and drinking…

--

—I woke up in a soft bed.

(Huh…last night I was drinking at the bar, and)

While in my drowsy and lethargic state, I groped around for a warm cloth when—

Kate: Hm…? …??

(...I’m naked?!)

I quickly wrapped myself up in a blanket with only my face peeking out.

…And noticed something familiar laying by my pillow.

(...Glasses?)

The black-rim and intellectual-looking frame was definitely memorable.

(These glasses…)

The moment I nervously picked them up, the bed squeaked— 

Roger: Hey now, those glasses aren’t a toy…Come on, give it here.

When the glasses were snatched out of my hand, I looked up to see a half-dressed Roger hovering over me.

Kate: …W-why are you here…

When I looked at him, he smiled as if to tell me the question was pointless now.

Roger: You passed out drunk so I had to carry you back. And after dropping you off, you wouldn’t let me go.

Whether it was true or not, the way he said it made it sound like I was pleading for him and my cheeks warmed.

(I-I held Roger back?)

(And…moreover)

My eyes took in his muscular chest and abs that were freely on display.

(T-too much stimulation…)

(I don’t know where to look)

Not just his bare chest.

Muscular arms peeking out from his shirt, broad shoulders that connected to a thick neck, and a lean waist.

(But, he was like beautiful sculpture)

My eyes unconsciously traced the supple skin.

His muscular body disguised his intelligent features and that gap alone was enough to make me dizzy.

Roger: …It’s not bad being ogled like this.

Kate: Eh?!

Roger gave me the wickedest of grins.

I’d been unconsciously staring at his body and my cheeks burned in embarrassment.

Kate: S-sorry…

Roger: Don’t worry about it. You’re a lot cuter than you were yesterday.

Kate: Did I…end up doing something yesterday?

Roger: “Something”.

Roger lowered himself and whispered to me.

Roger: …Yeah, last night was pretty hot, wasn’t it lil’ lady?

(N-no way…Me and Roger?)

-

*Darius says red riding hood but the subtitle says robin

**Send help. I have no idea what the heck バンブリーキ is. Perhaps bramboraky according to @/hoerayner

[hikarimiyanaga]

The Queen's Bride (Part 1)

Summary :

Being a rich man's kid isn't as exciting as everyone makes it out to be.

You have no freedom.

Every choice has been made for you ever since you were born.

What you eat. What course you were going to study. What school you're going to.

Even the one you were going to marry.

So to your surprise, your father has finally chosen one thing right for you.

Daenerys Targaryen.

Warnings : Omegaverse. Stark!Reader. Omega!Reader x Alpha!Daenerys Targaryen. Modern!AU.

Look who's finally watching Game of Thrones. Surprise, surprise, I fell in love with Daenerys.

"This is bullshit!" Jon, your cousin, shouts as he paces around you.

Both of you were just given two names.

Two people you never met that you were going to spend the rest of your life with.

"Who the fuck is Ygritte and why do I have to marry her?" Jon shouts in frustration and you shrug.

"I mean, Father could've paired you with one of the Lannisters. Myrcella is an omega-"

"Shut up." Jon glares at you.

"You have to admit it. Ygritte is pretty as fuck."

"Lucky for Robb, huh? He's the heir so he could choose freely."

"She is. But- I don't know her, Y/N." Jon sighs as he sits next to you.

"Lucky asshole." You slap his arm.

"He's my big brother."

"He is. I wish I could be the heir."

"Seriously? You? Jon Stark of Winterfell Corp? Are you hearing me?"

"Shut up." The two of you look at each other then laugh. "Yours is pretty too, by the way. And a Targaryen too."

"Why them? Our mottos are literally parallels."

"Yeah. Winter is Coming."

"Fire and Blood. Like why her?" You groan at the ceiling.

"Just be glad that she's pretty. Some don't get that lucky."

"Are you talking about-" Jon nods and you sigh.

"I just wish we had freedom."

"Me too. Y/N. Me too."

-

You get your bag and look at the empty apartment around you.

"I need Sansa to room with me. Like gods, this place is fucking big enough for ten people at least." You mumble to yourself as you leave the apartment.

Just like everything else in your life. The apartment was provided by your Father, Ned Stark. You could count the number of times on your fingers that you've actually talked to him rather than just receive orders or scolding from him.

Your phone rings just as you get inside the Westeros University. You answer it as you see your little sister's name.

"Y/N! How are you?" You smile at Arya's voice.

"I'm good, Arry. Where are you?" How is she calling you right now?

"I'm at home. There was a lice problem at school today so we went home! Are you free??" You grin at her exciting tone.

"In two hours, I will be. Why?"

"Can we go play? Mom said she'll let me go to the mall if I'm with you!"

"Sure, can you wait there and behave?"

"Yep! See you later!"

"See you." You say softly and smile as you go to your first and last class of the day. You were so glad that you chose your own schedule. You sit down at your usual seat and hum as you take out your laptop. Looks like professor Varys is late today.

Westeros University is the biggest University in all of Westeros. It has lessons even in magic.

"Did you hear, Y/N?" You look up as Oberyn sits beside you. You were somewhat friends. He can charm anyone in a room while you can outread anyone in a room. Truth be told, even you didn't know why he talked to you.

"Hear what?"

"Not interested in rumors as usual?" He asks and you shake your head.

"Even if Varys tells us otherwise, I still don't like rumors and hearsays." Oberyn nods and grins in satisfaction.

"Which is why you make the perfect audience." You sigh. "Listen to this. Someone is doing it."

"Doing what?"

"Seeing if the dragons will choose them."

"Seriously? That thing hasn't been done in like 200 years."

"Right? But someone is brave enough to do it now. You know what it means, right?"

"Yeah. They get to sit on the Iron Throne regardless of their last name."

"And?" You raise an eyebrow at him in confusion.

"And what?"

"Complete freedom!" You tilt your head at him. "No more choices by parents! No arranged marriages!"

"Damn. Sounds like a dream come true."

"For you guys. I still don't get why you guys won't love freely."

"Because last names have a value of their own. Here at Westeros at least. Oh. And Westeros Conglomerate too." Oberyn shakes his head.

"What you guys should value is talent, not blood."

"Meritocracy rather than blood right. Reasonable." Oberyn looks at you. "I don't make the choices though."

"Marry the king then."

"I'd rather die, Oberyn. I'd rather eat my own shit."

"Still hate men?"

"Only romantically." Oberyn chuckles just as Varys comes through the door.

"You're missing out on like half of the world then." You give him a smile.

"I don't think I am."

-

You hum as you park your car in front of the Stark Mansion. You were just getting your bag when you feel a pair of arms circle around your legs. You look down and see Arya smiling at you.

"Hey, Arya!" You scoop her up and she squeals. Arya is only 9 years younger but you love doing this to her. "Where's Ma and Father?"

"Dad is still at work! Ma is inside!" You put her down and nod.

"Come on, then. I'll tell Ma that I'll take you to the mall." Arya grins at you and she begins to tell you about her classmates and school.

"And then this one guy-"

"Y/N! You're home!" Catelyn Stark rushes over and hugs you. You hug her just as tightly.

"Hey, Ma. Arya wanted to play with me and it's been months since I've been home so I figured I should take her."

"I'm sure she understands that you're busy with university and all."

"I know, Ma! But school is out and she said she was free." Arya pouts from beside you and you smile.

"I am free, no worries." You ruffle Arya's hair and she smiles at you.

"Be sure to be back for Dinner then."

"We'll buy some before we get home. Are Robb and Father-"

"Busy." You nod in understanding then take Arya's hand.

"You ready for an afternoon with me? Your best sister?"

"YEAH! We'll destroy those high scores in the arcade!" You grin and agree.

-

You come home with a passed out Arya, a bag full of plushies, and a bag with food.

"You actually made her sleep? You are a godsend." You laugh at your mom and grin.

"Once you get Arya's quirks and use them against her, she can make herself run out of energy."

"Please don't tell-"

"Ma, she wants to. She can afford to learn it still."

"But her marri-"

"She's still 9, ma. She doesn't need to think about that yet."

"Right. Are you staying for dinner at least?"

"Sure. Is Sansa-" Before you finish your sentence, someone has already hugged you.

"Y/N! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" You turn around and find your other little sister, Sansa Stark.

"Well, I had to exhaust this one so." Sansa looks at Arya who was cuddling your neck still.

"Whoa. Arya never sleeps this early."

"Like I said. Exhausted. Are Brandon and Rickon here?"

"Yep! They should be getting back from Winterfell by now."

"What did they do there??"

"Father wanted to show them something. Are you staying tonight?"

"If you're willing to share your bed."

"ALWAYS!" You shush her and smile.

"I'll just be putting this one in her bed then I'll come down. Here." You give the bag full of food to Catelyn and smile. "Some of my favorites."

"I'll plate them up." You nod and begin your walk with Arya still sleeping while cuddling your neck.

"You're becoming heavier, Arya. I wonder if I should do some training just so I can carry you around."

-

"Y/N! You're back!" Brandon says then hugs you.

"Hey, little brother." You kiss his head and smile as he beams at you.

"SIS!" Rickon shouts then tackles you to no avail.

"Heya, baby bro." You pick him up and grin. "Did you grow??"

"I did! I'm defeating Arya soon!" You grin at him.

"Don't let her hear you!" You ruffle his hair then turn to Sansa. "Did you do your homework yet?"

"No? Will you help me later?" She gives you her puppy dog eyes and you groan at her. You admit that you're too weak to your siblings.

"Fine. But no talking about boys. I swear to God if I hear one more thing about-"

"But Ser Loras is just so dreamy." You look at her with a deadpan expression.

"Try me and I will sleep besides Arya." Sansa pouts.

"Fine. No boy talk." She grumbles. "Stingy."

"I'm gay. I'd rather marry another omega as long as she's a woman." Catelyn smiles as she sees you getting along with your siblings.

"Do not plant ideas in their head."

"Ma, Sansa is as straight as a ruler. These two don't even know what their second genders are." Catelyn rolls her eyes at you. "That reminds me, when's your test?" You look at Sansa as you place Rickon at his seat.

"This Monday! I'm so excited to confirm that I'm an Omega!"

"And if you're a beta?" You ask and Catelyn slaps your arm. "What? There's nothing wrong about being a beta! I wanted to be one before."

"You did?" Sansa asks and you nod. "Why?"

"More options." Catelyn hits your head and you laugh.

"Why? Does being an omega lessen your options?"

"Technically, I can't have another omega as my soulmate. Not that it matters."

"Oh yeah, dad said he sent you someone." You roll your eyes at that.

"He sent a file of someone. He wouldn't just let some stranger in my apartment."

"Who is it?? Can we know??" You groan at the excitement in Sansa's voice. There's nothing more that interests her than love talk.

"She's a Targaryen."

"The Dragon Family!" Rickon shouts and you ruffle his hair.

"Yup! Bran, do you know their motto?" Brandon hums as he gets some food.

"Yeah. Fire and Blood, right?"

"Yup! You all will get some ice cream. I brought some earlier." Catelyn glares at you. "What?"

"Cavities."

"I only visit once in a while, Ma. Just this once." Catelyn pinches your cheek. "Ow! Give! Give!"

"Just this once and don't ever do this again without saying anything to me."

"Yes, Ma! I got it! Ow!" Catelyn finally lets you go and you hold your cheek. You pout at her. "You didn't have to pinch that hard."

"You know how I feel about sweets." You sigh.

"I know. Sorry."

-

"Good thing the ice cream didn't give Rickon sugar rush."

"Yeah. It was a relief that Ma didn't pinch me."

"Those two boys really love you and adore you."

"They do." You look at Sansa and pat her hair. "I hope you become a beta, baby girl." Sansa scoffs at you.

"Wha- why!?" You smile sadly at her.

"So then you'll have more freedom." Sansa holds your hand. "Sadly. As an Omega, everything is controlled for you here in Westeros. Specially if you have a last name of a noble."

"Y/N." You squeeze her hand and grin.

"Hopefully, you and Arya get to decide your own futures. And your own partners." Sansa gets teary eyed at that. You let go of her hand then pat her hair again. "Time to get ready for bed. I'll just check on Arya for a second, okay?" Sansa nods at you and you close her door before covering your mouth with your hand.

Freedom. What a grand word. For you, it was thrown out the window when you got your test results.

Everyone says that Omegas have equal standings with Alphas. That the world is getting better.

"What a load of fucking bullshit." You mumble to yourself as you make your way to Arya's room.

You open the door and see that Arya is still fast asleep. You get to her bed and kiss her head.

"I hope you'll have more freedom than me, little one." You tuck her in and leave.

-

PS.

Jon is a Stark here and Catelyn knows he's Lyanna's son but no one knows who his father is. Let's just pretend for a second that he's not a Targaryen.

I actually was going to go the usual route for this aka Alpha Reader but decided against it. Omega Reader just works better for the angst inside my head.

[svcredveins]

Drivers heart rates during a stint

I love it when drivers mention how fast their heart rate was during a stint! Here’s one of my favourite drivers (Mathieu Jaminet) talking about Porsche drivers having a higher heart rate than most other drivers in a different car manufacturer. Fascinating!

I love on how there’s just so much heart related stuff in racing. Like I just cannot help always think about how their bodies are reacting to the stresses in the car - getting in/out of the car, in a battle with another driver, the temperature in the car, fighting the car if there’s an issue, the focus after a deep breath, etc. like it’s truly fascinating just thinking about it all. How their emotions are, how their heart feels, their adrenaline pumping constantly, their focus flowing, them fighting fatigue when in a full course yellow for so long…the human body is a fascinating work of art and the pure emotion of what motorsport has to offer is absolutely bliss. The highs, and the lows, it’s all poetic. Racing is an art, and it requires so much energy and dedication to have a fit mind and body in this sport. It is the best high you can get. But the greatest thing of all, is always coming back to even the most frustrating race. Why? Because it is addicting. It is an addiction that brings you a victory if you fight and fight and fight to get a sharp mind to withstand all of the circumstances in especially an endurance race like the 24H of Nurburgring or the 24H of Le Mans. I love racing, and this is my dream to become a Porsche factory driver, and the Porsche drivers are more on edge according to JamJam talking about him having a higher heart rate. It’s just so interesting! 👀

So every time him and Matt Campbell are in the car I just again cannot help but imagine where their heart rates are and what emotion they’re feeling; blood pumping so quickly from the adrenaline and working the car, also their chests rising and falling heavily after a stint and ready for a double. Truly, motorsport and emotions from the heart is poetic and are perfect combinations. Dreaming of being Porsche factory driver and being a cardiophile? Wow! What a combo! 🫀😍

I just need to be in one so bad. This is what I crave. Sure the sim is amazing and I love it, but nothing, and I mean nothing beats real life racing. Like get me in a Porsche 992 GT3 R or especially the 963, I am so needing it! Driven by dreams. That is what Porsche is all about, making dreams matter and making them come true.

Michi was also talking about her heart rate! Gosh I love it when they do! She drives for Lamborghini, but she also drives a Porsche and I am so glad the Iron Dames at least drive one in the ELMS (European Le Mans Series)! I honestly think it suits them a lot better because Porsche has the motto of “driven by dreams” and their motto is “women driven by dreams”. Honestly that meshes well with the Iron Dames so hoping one day they’ll go full on Porsche because Porsche is unbeatable! They even won at Imola yesterday so yep, they suit the Porsche a lot. Not to mention Porsche is so strong and always has been; relevant everywhere, always making dreams come true, always pushing, always having passion, motivation…I just love this brand. They bring a powerful message and they are also focused on women making dreams come true. Eeeek Porsche!

But yeah this is always wholesome looking at what the drivers say about their hearts. I love it. It goes hand and hand together. It is a feel that most would find crazy, but others would devour it, I’m the others, and yes I say this a lot but seriously, this is my dream - to drive for Porsche. Maybe the first female factory driver for them? No idea if there was or not, but anyway. I love it.

It’s so criminally underrated that hearts are the organ that keeps us alive and it’s so overlooked by many people. People don’t often see fascination of a human heart going up to 178 or even in Laurens Vanthoor’s case, 190 BPM, after an hour long stint in the car. It’s just insane! Let alone this is an underrated high. I don’t do drugs or alcohol and I can definitely say this is far healthier than that. You have to be addicted to this. You have to have pure passion for this. Because if you really wanna do it, then you will go for it. It’s pure bliss!

[miam0re]

I love Levi, just give me anything for him nsfw and sfw

He's currently my favourite demon because he's an adorable little gumdrop like gahhhhh I'll have your babies Levi 🥺🥺🥺

He seems super shy but at the same time extremely cuddly like oops you accidentally walked into his room and now you're trapped in a bear hug on his lap while he plays video games and goes on and on about the lore (but you know you love the excited little grin and spreads on his super kissable lips)

Okay but on a horny note

Otaku in the Streets, Demon in the Sheets w/Leviathan

NSFW, Fem!Reader, Two Dicks, Tentacle Tail Sex, Mentions of overstimulation, tummy bulge, god I'm blushing so hard for this man

Levi and his tail!!! Omg like I'm a slut when I think about how he's super shy in public but a pussy hungry beast in the privacy of your bedroom! 'Otaku in the street, Demon in the sheets' is his motto. Just imagine all the ways he could be making you see stars with his demon form.

Using his tentacle-like tail to gather up your slick and tickle across your clitoris before plunging into you, squirming his tail deeper along the squishy lining of your cunt. He's blushing crimson at the way you're shaking and moaning his name, SCREAMING about how Levi is the only one who can make you feel this full (ha take that brothers!) His own hands are stroking his demon dicks(yep, two of them) squeezing the tips to stop himself whenever you tighten around his tail and gush your sweet essence down his appendage.

He has to prepare you to take both his cocks in your tiny human cunt but he is struggling to hold back when the tips pop past the entrance at the same time. You're so good at taking him OwO unconsciously, he's giving into his carnal desires, tail wrapping around your waist and bringing you down on his dicks till the bulge on your tummy is pressing against his abs, your butt smacking against his thighs with every... Thrust... Nghhh

It's intoxicating for the both of you, the fullness, the tightness in your bellies, the pressure in all the right places- he's sending you both into overstimulation.

But it feels so fucking good... You think you can keep this up all night long for him? His libido is kinda high ;)

[beevean]

For the fandom unpopular opinion... Perhaps this is just me being cynical, but it popped into my mind the other day: people seemed to like Mania more because they could present it as "better than Forces" instead of liking the game on its own merits. I mostly get that feeling because afaik there's not a peep about Mania anymore these days, from what I can see on Tumblr🤔 Dunking on Forces is still seen as cool but the fandom now has Frontiers to like, and thus Mania honestly seems quite forgotten in favour of Frontiers, almost?

Strongly agree | Agree | Neutral | Disagree | Stronly disagree

I think you're onto something, but let me elaborate on your theory!

I think the reason the fandom has forgotten about Generations and Mania is because those games were made for a crowd that has become less popular, a crowd that was split apart precisely because of Forces: the nostalgics for the '90s.

Well, Generations is a love letter to the entire series, but its gimmick was that you could play as Classic specifically - I still remember when the first trailer came out and the fandom collectively exploded at Classic's reveal lol. In 2011, "going back to the roots" was still a felt motto. And Mania's motto? "By the fans, for the fans". Meta Era was the name, nostalgia for the Genesis was the game :P

Guess what game made people sick and tired of "nostalgia"? Yep, Forces, whose inclusion of Classic was side-eyed from the very beginning and who quickly became one of the most hated parts in a very hated game, not only because from what I heard he played poorly but because he became the symbol of ST not knowing what to do anymore.

So, what crowd is the most vocal now? Not the ones who miss the '90s, but the ones who miss the 2000s, Shadow, a shonen tone, a "deeper" story. The crowd that Frontiers and SXSG are speaking to.

Generations and Mania are no longer relevant. Hell, the latter, being modelled after games from the '90s with all related quirks, might be difficult to get into for a new, younger fan.

In 2018, using Forces' failure as proof, the fandom used Mania to say "the fans do it better" (ignoring, of course, ST's contribution to the project, since Mania is not an indie game). Since 2022, the fandom is using Flynn to say "he, a fan just like us but who succeeded, writes it better". The core concept is "Sonic Team bad, only we fans know best", but the priority has shifted.

[lesb0]

I so agree about it being 2xbetter. I’ve been going so hard all my life because as an immigrant Black women I was taught that education and being ‘respectable’ would save me and it didn’t. These days I show up I do my job to the least of my ability and leave lmao and it’s the same treatment I got when I was busting my ass. #slowdownsisters is my motto now because I’ll be damned!

Yep even being a presidential candidate isn't enough to prove we're good enough not to "deserve" constant racism and misogyny. Whatever we do, the systems are going to oppress us so why waste years fighting so hard when you can be relaxing? There IS no model minority

[f1-junkie]

Got tagged by dearest @underatedwords to share 10 songs im enjoying atm! Thank you Emi!!<з

Here are some of my current go-tos as well as all time favourites that I come back to every so often! Features good ol 2000s-2010s nostalgia and Russian songs!<з

1. Written in the stars - Tinie Tempah ft Eric Turner

2. Motto - David Guetta ft Steve Aoki, Lil Uzi Vert, G-Easy & Mally Mal

3. Поцелуи - Виа Гра

4. American Boy - Комбинация (a fuckin all time banger🤙🏻)

5. Pure Water - Mustard ft Migos

6. Ты так красива - Quest Pistols Show

7. Mirror - Lil Wayne ft Bruno Mars

8. Miles Away - Madonna

9. Башня - Даня Милохин ft Мумий Тролль

10. Я твой наркотик - Quest Pistols Show

yep, Russian music industry is definitely not limited to Katya Lel’ only vfhfbbj

Tagging @autumn816 @bejwled @chaoticzoomies @dumbf1sketches @formulaborb @interlvgos @russilton <зззззз

[eliezersaul]

L: Me (June 16, 23) - - R: Sahar Kazes, IFBB. Since I was a teenager, I've had 3 or 4 goals that haven't changed with the years ... One of those goals, is to ... Yep, to become a musclebro. Or a gymbro. Or whatever people call them now - - I mean, my brother used to be a personal trainer back then, and I loved seeing him getting massive, and all the good vibes and positivity he used to exude. Then, he left the fitness world because of, well... Things unrelated to what I wanna say. I tried the musclebro thing back then, but my brother never understood I was just a newbie with a lot of stuff and problems on his mind... So, everytime I went to his gym, I ended up sore for two weeks!. So, long story short... I avoided training with him like if my life depended on it! ... and ironically, didn't have a lot of motivation or self esteem to go anywhere else to workout. My cousin followed my brother steps though, and he is right now what I still want to be. A biker musclebro. We don't talk a lot, but I feel happy for him. Genuinely happy.

But, anyway... The thing is, I've kinda hated when people have told me silly things (and this is an understatement!) for talking about this goal. Not a surprise that many people assume that: Bodybuilding/Going to a gym/Getting muscled = Becoming arrogant, dumb, or an obnoxious man... Sure, some dudes who go to the gym are that way, and some like to be that way but because (according to my own theory) they already were that way! Besides, there's always SOMETHING to learn about this world: Either a new routine, or a diet, or how your muscles work, or which workout will help you with which muscle, or the chemical components of what you eat daily, how to do a correct meal prep, supplements... Even those who use roids have to learn A MASSIVE TON of stuff. I remember my brother used to train a couple dudes when they were getting ready for a competition, and, maaaaan... Tons and tons of information.

Started going approximately a year ago, and, well... My diet is not the best one... Yet. But I like the testosterone rush I feel everyday after a good workout... And I don't consider myself a brainless, dumb dude... Nor planning/thinking about going that way.

...Honestly, F those who disencourage YOU from doing what you'd love. Get your gymspiration (or whatever inspiration you need to do good things) anywhere you need it!

And, yes. Getting big, hairy (test, minox... you name it), a couple tats, a sweet bike when cash allows it... BEING HAPPY WITH THE WAY I LOOK... I mean... Why not? I love that idea. Maybe I fell in love with the action stereotype from the 80s (yep, 80s/90s kid… Former trust fund kid anyway but that's a VERY different story mwhahahahaha), and, seeing that, and my brother, made me love it until today. I still want that!. The roid thing... I'm not exactly partial to it for myself. If it makes your boat float, go for it dude! In my case... Well, MAAAAAAAAAAYBE if I were a pro bodybuilder, an IFBB one, maybe/whoknows/i'dtryit/whatever... I'm not condoning its use, though! But, my motto is never say never!

For me, well, right now, seeing those giants at my current gym is a MAJOR inspiration. Can't talk to them or befriend them because, well... Issues to make friends, can't/don't know how to... (Thanks high school, you damaged me so much my ability to make friends got ruined forever).

Anyway... Just wanted to talk a bit about it.

So, yep. Still wanna be a musclebro, bro. PS: If anyone reads this, I'd love to read your comments! Thanks for making it this far!.

[telekitnetic-art]

I've always been somewhat interested in getting into dwarf fortress, do you think it's worth it for a newbie to try and get into it? Any tips or recommendations?

Honestly, it’s hard to describe how newbie friendly dwarf fortress is solely because of how huge it is. For anyone who doesn’t know about dwarf fortress, it’s essentially a game where the devs wanted to figure out how to simulate EVERYTHING in existence. Yep, that’s a high task.

Because of this, dwarf fortress has a LOT of things going on at once. It’s one of those games that, if you know nothing about, will make your head spin because god DAMN HOW MANY THINGS DO YOU NEED TO KEEP TRACK OF??

honestly I think the devs did a good job of trying to make the game beginner friendly. There’s a tutorial you can choose at the beginning of the game that will essentially walk you through the basics of the game, which is very handy for beginners.

At the same time, there’s stuff that isn’t explained in the beginner tutorial or guides in the game that you will have to either figure out for yourself or google the answers to. I did a lot of the latter, which I think there’s no shame in. It’s a huge and complicated game, and I doubt many people or fans of the game will look down on you for asking for help because we’ve all been there.

So, tldr, Dwarf Fortress being beginner friendly depends on your playing style, I think. If you’re able to adapt well to managing multiple tasks or concentrate on multiple things voluntarily in a Neurodivergent Way™️, I think you’ll really enjoy this game.

Dwarf Fortress can be overwhelming when you first play it, which is something the game is aware of. And you have to expect to mess up or fail when first playing it. Hell, I had to restart my game multiple times. And there are even aspects or abilities or factors in the game that I didn’t know about three or four months after first beginning the game because I haven’t explored every aspect of the game. And honestly I’m good with that because it gives me more things to search for.

Tldr, Dwarf Fortress can be beginner friendly but only if you’re a specific kind of gamer. But if you are, then you can really have fun with the game. Losing is Fun is the motto after all, so there’s no shame in exploring and looking around and messing up.

[chaotic-super]

Back To Krypton - Chapter 40

Read it on AO3 here!

Kara smiles widely as she flies the pod over the top of the Jewel Mountains, her grin only growing as she begins her descent onto a cut-out of one of the mountains that has been specifically designated for the parking of pods.

She pulls the pod in close, slowing right down so she can gently manoeuvre the pod into a free space. Despite being one of the most beautiful sights on the planet, not many people visit for a close look; they fly over the top and maybe hover for a little while as they take in the view.

From the moment the opportunity presented itself to her to come here, Kara knew that she’s not a hovering person. She wants to get up close and personal with this mountain. After all, she’s going to have some beef with it in the future, or her past, or both.

There are probably two dozen other pods and small ships parked up, and Kara takes a good look at them as she climbs out of her pod and offers a hand to Lena to help her down, ignoring Alex when she then outstretches her hand for assistance that doesn’t come.

“Really?” Alex huffs as she looks over to see Kara helping Lena steady herself against the rocky ground before she helps her straighten out her dress, which had gotten a little rumpled during the pod ride.

Kara glances over at her, an eyebrow raised in question for a brief moment before she realizes that Alex is waiting for her to help.

“Oh, sorry.” Kara makes sure Lena is steady with a quick flick of her eyes over her body, lingering for just a moment on her chest…just to make sure she’s breathing. Yep, that’s it.

Moving herself away from Lena, albeit reluctantly, Kara steps back towards the pod to offer a hand to her sister, who takes it and squeezes as hard as she can as punishment for forgetting her, making Kara snatch it back with a yelp.

“Hey!”

Alex ignores her, helping Kelly down, then Esme, then Nia. Kara watches as they move to stand with Lena and her heart jumps a little at the sight of her family.

They all look so beautiful; all of them look almost Kryptonian. They’re all wearing dresses, something Alex complained about for a while, but they have to blend in so they’re overlooked, and they all have faint swipes of make-up across their faces in patterns their alien minds never would have chosen.

“Why are you looking at us like that, weirdo?” Alex sighs, her hands on her hips and her stance wide, making her look like a tomboy toddler forced into a bridesmaid dress at a family member’s wedding.

“You all just look so…”

“So?” Alex glares at her, waiting for the mocking descriptor.

Kara searches for the right way to describe them for a moment, her brain racing for a way to explain despite the look she’s on the receiving end of. “You look like my home.”

The words force the breath out of their lungs. The only one unaffected is Esme, and that’s just because she’s too busy gaping up at the mountain, the glittering shine of the jewels laced into the rocks catching her eye and refusing to let go.

Lena’s lips curve up into the softest of smiles, a hand reaching out to draw Kara near. As soon as she’s close enough, she pulls the blonde into an embrace, not crushing or firm, just tender enough to make her feel her presence without being overwhelming.

By the time Kara is released from the hug, Alex has righted herself, her hands off her hips and standing in a much more graceful manner. Kara’s words reminded her that no matter her feelings or grumpiness, she has to be respectful of Kara’s culture, and she has to open herself up to these experiences. This is Kara’s home planet, a part of her, and she’s getting the chance of a lifetime right now in getting to see it, something she’ll never get the opportunity to do again. She has to right herself and take in everything this place has to offer. For her sister. She’s lived by that motto before. She can live by it for a few more days.

Locking eyes with her little sister, Alex sighs. “Ready to go?”

“Never been readier in my life.” Kara grins. “Come on, you’re going to love this!”

She scoops her niece up into her arms, settling her onto her hips before using her free hand to grab Lena’s to give it a quick squeeze before she lets go. It’s not completely appropriate to hold hands or show any kind of intimacy in public except with a child, so she’s already schooled the group on acting accordingly. She just had no idea it would be her having the most amount of trouble with it.

All of them walk towards the large opening of the mountain with slack jaws. They can see the glistening beauty of the jewels already, a mixture of beautiful greens, striking blues, deep reds, shining oranges and delicate pinks surrounding them, and that’s just what they can see from the pod parking lot.

As they move as a collective towards the entrance, it’s not hard to see that the jewels are only increasing in quantity the closer they get to the centre of the mountain, almost as though the plain old grey rock is a mere afterthought in the creation of such a beautiful masterpiece nature designed long ago—nothing but a coating to protect the glory that lies within.

“Look, Esme.” Kara points up to the ceiling as they make their way down a tunnel that is lit with small lanterns that make the space bright, even with the scarcity of light sources. What light the lanterns produce is enough, the rays from them ricocheting off each individual jewel and lighting the room with a myriad of colours that form the most wonderous mess of rainbows.

Esme looks up at where Kara is pointing and grins broadly. The ‘ceiling’ of the tunnel is the first part to completely rid itself of the grey rocks and is made up of a solid mixture of orange and blue crystal, the colours lapping each other like a wave caressing the sand on a beach of a planet the mountain has never seen.

“It’s pretty!” Esme giggles, reaching her arms up as though she might be able to reach it.

“Hold on a second,” Kara says, settling Esme down on her feet for a moment so she can readjust her hands onto the little girl’s hips and raise her up over her head so she can get a better look at the jewels.

Esme keeps her arms stretched up and giggles as Kara sets her down atop her shoulders and spins them around lightly as they bask in the magnificent array of light.

“And this is just the beginning. I’ve heard that the centre of the mountain is even more breathtaking.” Kara stops spinning, afraid to lose her footing if she gets too dizzy. “Want to lead the way, Ms Esme?”

“Yeah!” Esme answers, clamouring to get put down so she can get in front of the group and lead them deeper into the Jewel Mountain that is more than living up to its name.

Lena slides up beside Kara. “This place is beautiful.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet, just wait.” Kara grins. “You’ll see what I mean when we get there. I’ve seen pictures of it before, and if those pictures so much as remotely capture the beauty of it, we’re going to be in for a sight that we’ll be treasuring for the rest of our lives.”

Lena strides beside Kara, purposefully letting the back of her hand brush against Kara’s as they walk. “I look forward to it.”

Alex and Kelly murmur to each other quietly, admiring the jewels they can see, not sure where to rest their eyes due to the vast abundance.

Soon enough, they exit the tunnel and find themselves in a large open space, the hollowed centre of the mountain caused by mining back when the jewels were being harvested. Nowadays, there are so many jewels around the planet that all mining has not only been ceased but made a punishable offence due to the amount and the way the new jewels could bring in more wealth to the economy and throw it completely out of whack.

The council is nothing if not bossy.

“Oh, Rao.” Lena gasps as she finds herself in a place that she’s certain must be heaven. No place can physically be this enamouring. This beautiful. This serene. It’s impossible. If this is a dream, it’s one she hopes to never wake up from.

Even Kara, who was hyping this up and somewhat prepared for what was coming, is speechless. The beauty and grandeur of the place is something she can’t even begin to describe; her brain empty except for one simple word that just doesn’t seem to cut it—pretty.

The space is absolutely massive. They’re in a large domed area, every surface made of pure jewels of varying colours, no patch going more than a couple of metres before switching to another colour, the place a symphony of pure joy and serenity.

A few other people are milling about, which was expected since there were other pods parked up when they arrived, but none of them pay them any mind, their heads too busy swivelling around to take in the great sights that behold them.

“Kara…” Nia is the first to find her voice.

“I know.”

Letting her eyes rake over every inch of the place, Kara comes to a realization about the Fortress of Solitude back on Earth. The design, made of ice, not jewels, is modelled after this place. Grand walls, large beams, a glistening shine that only serves to leave visitors speechless and activate the same part of someone’s brain that works when they get to cuddle a puppy. Pure ecstasy.

Esme is running her hand across a nearby beam, letting her fingers brush over the crack between two jewels, one pink and one orange.

Kara stands on one side of her, Kelly on the other, as she drops one hand onto her niece’s shoulder while the other joins her niece in pressing her fingers to the cool surface. She traces each crack and each subtle bump of them. “Whatever you grow up to be, Esme, I hope it brings you as much joy as this moment does right now,” Kara says, a certainty in her voice that has Kelly eyeing the side of her face with scrutiny.

“I hope for that too.” She says after a quick evaluation. “What makes you say that?”

“It’s something my father would say to me when I was little when he would take me with him to nearby planets. He would wait for a moment when I would look particularly happy, and then he’d say that. That feeling is what helped me realize that I love reporting. I felt the same joy I feel right now when I first started and I just…knew.”

“I didn’t know that about you.”

“It’s not something I think about often, and to be honest, if it weren’t for this mission, it would probably be one of those things I just don’t think about and then one day, without me even realizing, I would forget. Knowledge never to see the light of day again.”

Kelly reaches over, ready to give her arm a squeeze, but when Kara flinches back, she remembers that she’s not allowed to do that.

“How about we make our way around here and then we can explore the other tunnels a little?” Kara changes the subject, already looking around for the rest of the group that have already wandered off and aren’t paying attention to her at all.

Kelly nods, squinting to find Alex, spotting her over by Nia just a few metres away, partially obscured behind a pillar. “I don’t know how this could get any better, but I have a feeling we’re about to witness something life-changing here.”

“You have a good gut instinct,” Kara says, spotting Lena and making her way over to round her back in with the group.

As soon as they’re all together again, Kara starts pointing around the open space and draws their attention to the tunnels off the main area that they’re all reluctant to leave despite the promise of more magnificent views.

“Ok, keep your voices down now. We don’t want to be caught speaking English or any other language that isn’t some form of Kryptonese around other people. We don’t want questions.”

“We’ll be quiet as a mouse.” Alex nods firmly, hearing the underlying nerves to Kara’s words, unhappy that the trip has to be tainted with a veil of secrecy Kara deserves to be free from.

Kara forces her lips up in a quirk, really wishing she could hug someone, preferably Lena, but she can’t. “Alrighty then, let’s get going, lots to see.”

Kara leads the way and all of them take notice of how she takes them the long way around to the first tunnel so they don’t get close to the other small groups and couples milling around. They don’t mind though. It gives them all the more time to take in the once-in-a-lifetime sights this part of the mountain allows them to grace their eyes with.

There are more tunnels than any of them initially thought, only four being visible from the main section. However, upon further inspection of the tunnels, each one only goes for a few metres before they split into many more tunnels, some only two, some as many as five or six.

“Looks like this could take us a while to explore,” Kara mutters after darting her eyes around to ensure she won’t be overheard. “Want to just work our way left to right and do each sub-tunnel in the same way?”

“Yeah, or maybe we could split up?” Nia offers instead.

“No.” Lena deadpans. “We can’t split up in case anyone tries to talk to us. Kara is the only one that can speak Kryptonese.”

“Nobody is going to talk to us, and if they do, I’ll just smile, nod and pretend to be mute. There are mute people on Krypton, right Kara?”

Kara nods. “Yes, but they all speak KSL.”

“What’s KSL?”

“Kryptonian Sign Language.” Kara shrugs. “And it’s mandatory learning for every Kryptonian child too so everyone speaks it, so in fewer words: nodding and smiling won’t get you anywhere. You’re stuck with us.”

Nia pins her gaze on Lena’s, a somewhat distraught look coating her expression. “Is she joking? Please tell me she’s joking because she’s freaking me out.”

Lena shrugs. “How would I know? I didn’t go to school here, not was I born here, if my memory serves me correctly.”

Nia’s face drops into an expression that is the epitome of both disappointment and bemusement. “You’re not funny.”

Lena smiles at her, wide and dazzling. Kara swoons a little at the sight and can’t help but think that her smile outshines every last jewel in this place. She breathes out through her nose in an amused, barely there laugh as she realizes how corny that thought is.

“I think I’m hilarious.”

Nia rolls her eyes. “Can I go and explore on my own or not?”

“We can explore the sub-tunnels alone but stay in the same main tunnel,” Kara says. If anything happens at all, turn around and find someone in the group, and if there are people in the tunnel, turn the hell around. No taking chances.” Kara gives in, already feeling her anxiety rise at the thought of Nia doing something stupid. For a smart woman, she’s been known to make some questionable choices, not that she can say anything; she’s made plenty of bad choices herself.

Lena, Alex and Kelly all shift nervously.

“Are you sure that’s such a good idea?” Kelly asks.

Kara doesn’t look completely sure but she nods anyway. “Maybe not, but I want this to be a good trip and if that means I have to let loose a little and trust you guys to be safe and smart, that’s something I’m going to have to do. Plus, it won’t be much fun for me either if I have to play babysitter and walk around as an anxious wreck every time I see one of you walk past another person.”

“We’ll take Nia. You and Lena go alone then.” Kelly says, finality in her voice.

“Wait, I don’t need a babysitter.” Nia scoffs.

“That’s very much debatable.” Alex snorts. “How’s the hand?”

Huffing, Nia rests her hands on her hips in a move that is reminiscent of Kara’s Supergirl pose back on Earth, a pose she hasn’t done in a long while and one she’s actually happy to have grown out of the habit of doing, pressing her fingertips into her hips in every anxiety fuelled situation was probably going to cause some serious damage one day.

“That was a one-off and you’re mean for bringing it up.” Nia points at Alex. “But point taken.”

Lena rubs her forehead, not in the mood for bickering to ruin this beautiful day. “Alright, how about we go and start exploring, huh? I don’t know about you but I’d like to get through a lot of these tunnels before sundown.”

“Great idea.” Kara jumps on that chance and they all make their way to the tunnel on the far left. She notes the words etched into the Jewels above the tunnel. “Tunnels one to four this way.” She points to the sign.

Kara leads the way, stopping where the tunnel splits off. “Lena and I’ll take the ones on the right first; you guys start at the left. Remember what I said about leaving if there are people already in there.”

Kelly nods at her, her face sincere where Alex and Nia’s are dismissive, and Esme’s is just full of pure excitement. “You got it, boss.”

They part ways, Lena taking Kara into the tunnel that is the furthest on the right while the others go in the one on the far left.

As soon as they are a good way into the tunnel, which is reminiscent of the original tunnel they walked through yet somehow at least ten times more beautiful, Lena slips her hand into Kara’s, squeezing it tightly a couple of times before she loosens her grip, ready to tear her hand free the moment she so much gets an inkling there are other people around.

Lena takes in the sight of the Jewels around them, her jaw practically dragging on the floor. They seem to mould into each other differently here, like they are trying to paint a picture but the subject of which is known only to mother nature herself. “It’s…”

“It is.” Kara breathes. “The pictures I’ve seen of this place don’t do it justice. I can’t believe so many people opt to just fly over the top of the mountain rather than coming down here and actually searching it themselves.”

“Why would they do that?”

“There are myths regarding this place, and well, Kryptonians are nothing if not superstitious.”

Excitement and interest fill Lena’s body and her grip tightens on Kara’s hand as she shakes it with a complete lack of grace. “There’s a myth and you didn’t think to tell me that earlier? Blasphemy. Tell me everything you know, tour guide.”

“Hey, I’m more than a tour guide!” Kara playfully hisses.

“A hot tour guide?”

“Much better.” Kara nods seriously.

Lena smiles at her, her affection for the blonde palpable as their hearts beat in time with the click of their heels against the stone and jewels beneath their feet.

“I don’t know the full story and it’s a little hazy at this point, to be completely honest with you, Lena. I can probably tell you the basics of the myth but that’s one of the few that my brain hasn’t been able to keep a hold of through the years.”

With their hands still joined, Lena uses her other hand to trace her fingertips up the soft skin of Kara’s wrist. “You could always ask your parents for the myth or look it up yourself while we’re here. You have a chance to get back some of that knowledge you lost while you’re on Krypton, Kara. You can find the answers you once knew. Until then though, I would love to know what you remember.”

“I hate it when you speak sense.”

“So always?”

Kara bumps her shoulder into Lena’s. “You wish.”

Lena shakes her hand impatiently. “Come on, tell me what you know before curiosity eats me alive.”

As they keep walking down the tunnel, the light glistening through the jewels that surround them, she takes note of a carved stone sign and points at it. “If you can wait a minute, it looks like there’s something to do with the myth just up ahead. Looks like we found the right tunnel to start with.”

“What does it say?” Lena squints at the foreign letters.

Kara shakes her head, tutting slightly. “And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.”

Lena pouts a little but schools her features quickly. They’ll be back on Earth soon enough and there’s not going to be any room for her to be pouty when she’s back in a boardroom. The thought of sitting behind her desk all day working on spreadsheets, documents, blueprints and whatever other boring stuff she usually deals with makes her feel antsy. She’s gotten used to being active now and the thought of giving that up makes her uncomfortable. Maybe she’ll have to get Jess to purchase a desk treadmill for her—after they’ve stopped her brother, of course.

It takes several minutes for them to reach the end of the tunnel and Lena finds she doesn’t mind the wait. The silence is comforting, the knowledge that they are both simply basking in the wonderful sights, their closeness and the feeling that somehow, their souls are binding themselves to the walls of this tunnel, a part of them to be left behind when they leave. They don’t even mind that soon enough, this mountain won’t be here, and if that means a part of their entwined souls is left floating around the universe, maybe they can find comfort that they’re ever exploring and ever learning, even if they physically can’t.

“Right here,” Kara announces as she sees what appears to be a large table on wheels with a single small pickaxe lying atop it and a small sign tangling from the table’s edge.

“Ok, so the myth is that there was once a powerful Kryptonian warrior that used to climb to the top of this very mountain to fulfil challenges. This meant that the council couldn’t moderate them. He would fight whoever challenged him, or whoever he challenged, to the death and he won every time except once.”

“Of course he did.” Lena shifts her eyes between Kara and the table, confusion building up in the little crinkle forming between her eyes. She’s sure Kara said it’s illegal to mine in here.

Kara nods. “The last time he was ever challenged, it was by his daughter.”

Lena’s mouth drops open in surprise. “Oh?”

“He had spent years teaching his daughter that a true warrior never turns down a challenge, and as such, he agreed. However, when it came time to fight, he lay down his sword and allowed her to kill him. She had to challenge him because the council hated him for finding a way to get around their rules, and they were systematically taking every bit of wealth and power he had. Killing him ensured that it all stayed within the family. She had no choice, nor did he if he wanted his family to remain in good stead. He’s known as one of the bravest warriors that has ever lived, and it’s not because of the blood he spilt on this mountain, but it’s for allowing his blood to be spilt for the good of his family.”

Now Lena is confused again but for another reason. “You say that like it’s true. How can it be a myth if it’s true?”

“Because that part is true, the myth is this.” She picks up the pickaxe. “It’s said that his soul is part of each and every jewel in this mountain now and only the truest, the bravest, and the most loyal can mine from the mountain without misfortune falling upon them. However, if you are all of those things, you will be granted good luck for life. This is the only place in the mountain where it’s legal to mine from, and yet barely anyone ever does for fear of the myth.”

“You should do it. We need all the luck we can get.” Lena smiles.

Kara shakes her head. “No. I can’t. I’m not loyal in the eyes of Rao. You are. You’re all of the things needed to be granted good fortune. Take it.” She holds the tool out to Lena, who backs away.

Holding her hands out in surrender and continuing to move away from Kara, Lena argues. “I’m not. I don’t know what you mean about you not being loyal, but you’re better than me in all of those categories.”

“Lena, I fight for a planet that is not my own. I’m betraying my parents and refusing to help save this planet to save Earth. It won’t work for me. For you, though, you’re all of those things and more. Please, take it.”

Her hands shake as she tries to resist the urge to do as Kara says, but Lena manages to keep them where they are. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can,” Kara says with more conviction than Lena has ever heard her convey before. “There is nobody truer than you. You survived the Luthors trying to make you into their moulded little puppet for evil throughout the most formative years of your life and still came out a good person. You’re brave. You came here on a mission to a planet you know is destined to die to help protect Earth. You’re loyal…you’re here with me. You’re the perfect person for this, and nobody deserves good luck more than you. Please take it.”

Lena can’t help it. With tears streaming down her cheeks, illuminated by the lanterns and the cascade of colours it has collected, Lena takes it.

She takes a deep breath and lines the point of the pickaxe up against the wall. “I…” She trails off, not sure where she is going with the sentence, but then snaps herself out of it, shaking her head and steeling herself before she swings.

The first hit barely does a thing but the second causes a small crack in the jewel of the wall. “How is this even doing this? These jewels must be super hard, like diamonds.”

“It’s made of jewels itself. Look closer.” Kara whispers into the air, not wanting to break the moment.

Before her next swing, Lena holds it up to the light and sees a colour that the mountain has yet to display. Green.

“Kara.”

“I know. I guess it is good for something, huh?”

“Kara, it’s kryptonite.”

“I know. Keep going.” Kara turns her back to the wall. “A couple more good hits.”

Lena does as she’s told, swinging until a small chunk breaks free of the wall. It’s a light pink, almost clear, not really her colour, but it means so much more than that now. According to the myth, this will either be her good fortune for life or her downfall. She knows which one she’s hoping for.

She clears her throat, picking it up and then placing the axe back on the table. As she does, she lets her eyes fall onto the sign. “What does it say?”

“Those who are worthy never believe they are.”

Lena whips her head around. “No, it doesn’t.”

Kara nods, confirming that she isn’t lying. “Come on, put that in your pocket and let’s keep going. There are a lot of tunnels for us to explore still.”

Lena allows herself to be pulled away from the mining area, shock coating her bones almost as much as Kara’s unwavering faith in her coats her soul.

Read the completed fic on Patreon here!

Find out more about a new Supergirl fandom event for writers and artists here!

[wrecklessimagine]

Hello, everyone. Life has been challenging, and the post-pandemic existence is rough. My therapist encouraged me to find the last time I remembered being truly content, and I couldn't tear myself away from this blog. So, maybe writing will help give me some hope again. And, maybe, for you guys, too.

This story takes place after the last season of Criminal Minds. Things fall through with the girl we see him with because of the pandemic. In this multi-chapter fic, we will see a fully adult, grown Spencer, with his traumas, memories, and his addiction. He will still be running his one-month-on-one-month-teaching schedule as well.

For what it's worth, I hope you guys enjoy it.

Take Two

Staring at the blank walls of your new apartment, darkness overcame you. The sun finally set behind the tall concrete buildings that surrounded your new apartment, shrouding your uncurtained windows in the twinkling lights from the street. Cars raced past. People talked and laughed as they rushed by. The built-in bookshelves loomed over you with their empty caverns, seemingly laughing at the pathetic expanse of what you brought with you.

Six suitcases and two cardboard boxes.

That was all you had after six years of marriage. Six years of laughter. Six years of tears. Six years, two apartments, one rented home, and a broken heart.

Broken mind.

Broken soul...

The divorce had been hard.

The cold, harsh metal of the apartment keys in your hand contrasted the warmth cascading down your cheeks. Your entire foundation had crumbled beneath you. The man you thought you'd spend forever with left you for another woman.

Another couple, actually.

The divorce had been really hard.

It took you two and a half years to get back on your feet. To find some semblance of normalcy. To wrap your head around the fact that the divorce had, in fact, happened. That your ex-spouse wasn't, in fact, coming back. That it wasn't, in fact, a nightmare. That you really, honestly, were alone again. After baring your soul. Baring your past. Baring your body...

...to someone who threw you away like trash.

"Guess it could be worse," you muttered to yourself as you shoved the keys into the back pocket of your jeans.

That was the motto of the last two and a half years.

Guess it could be worse.

Looking around at the dark green walls trimmed with black accents, you heaved a heavy sigh. You had no furniture. No decorations. No pictures. Nothing but your clothes, toiletries, and the few books you owned.

The mere idea of rebuilding exhausted your dwindling energy stores.

Knock, knock, knock. "Hello?"

You whipped around at the sound of the lilting voice behind you. "Huh?"

The door to your apartment creaked open, revealing a tall, slender man with curious hazel eyes and brown hair that could only be described as dramatic.

He waved his slender fingers in the air softly. "Hello, new neighbor."

You blinked. "Across the hall?"

He thumbed over his shoulder. "Yep, that's me."

"Do you always go around opening random people's doors?"

He didn't skip a beat. "The door was cracked already."

"Oh."

His soft smile grew cockeyed. "Hi."

You nodded slowly. "Hello."

You watched as he peeked around the edge of the door at your empty new apartment. God, you could only imagine what he thought.

"I'm Spencer, by the way," the man said as he held out his hand when the door has finally swung all the way open.

You looked at it before walking toward him, shaking his hand softly. "Y/N."

His cockeyed smile grew, lighting up his eyes. "Well, it's nice to finally have a neighbor."

You still hadn't dropped his hand. "Finally?"

He snickered, not dropping your hand either. "Yeah. It's been vacant for a little while."

"Why? This place haunted or something?"

His smile grew so big that it closed his eyes. "You'd think so, with how hard my landlord's been trying to fill the place."

"I'll let you know if the ghosts come with any juicy gossip."

He chuckled. "Perfect. I love a good bit of gossip."

Was it weird to still be holding the man's hand? Yes, you determined, it's still very weird. So, you quickly dropped it and cleared your throat.

"Sorry about that," you mumbled beneath your breath.

The man named Spencer cleared his throat. "Well, I don't wanna hold you up. I just wanted to introduce myself. You know, neighbor to neighbor."

You turned back to your empty apartment. "I appreciate that."

"And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to knock on my door. This month, I'll be home a great deal more than usual."

Your brow ticked in curiosity and you peered over your shoulder. "This month?"

He nodded as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "It's my work schedule. I travel heavily for a month, then I stay put and teach for a month."

That turned your body back toward him. Like a gravitational pull you couldn't escape. "What do you teach?"

He snickered as he tilted his head. "Sure you wanna know? It's kind of... dark."

You felt your curiosity piquing for the first time since your divorce. In fact, the conversation with your newfound neighbor was the longest one you'd had with anyone since your divorce.

And you didn't hate it.

"You'd be surprised what I can tolerate," you said.

The man's eyes grew focused as he stared you down. Almost as if he were studying you.

"I work for the FBI," he said after clearing his throat. "When I'm not out on cases, I'm teaching classes on profiling serial killers."

You felt your eyebrows hike up onto your forehead. "Wow."

"What do you do?"

"Nothing as impressive as you."

A grin ticked his cheek. "You do me, huh?"

You sucked in a short breath of air. "No, no. Not like that. I just meant--."

He chuckled again. "I know what you meant. Just trying to break the tension."

The sound wafted over you like red wine over a King's tongue. Velveteen and soft, it was as innocent as they came. You felt it disarming your senses. Your nostrils flared. Your shoulders relaxed. Your breathing leveled out. And as the ending sound trickled from his lips, you found yourself wanting to illicit the sound again.

It was the first time something had been pleasant since your divorce.

The first time you felt anything since your divorce.

"So," your new neighbor said as he took the smallest of steps through the door's threshold, "do you have any furniture that needs to come up?"

Reality came slamming into you and you quickly turned away from him. "No."

"Well, if it's coming later, I could-."

You sighed heavily. "I don't have furniture coming because I don't have furniture."

"Oh."

Your shoulders tightened again as you steeled yourself against the world. You'd wasted enough of your neighbor's precious time. After all, he had more important things to do. Lives to save.

Lives that were more important than yours.

"It was lovely meeting you, new neighbor Spencer."

His voice came soft, as if he were trying not to spook a fawn. "The pleasure is mine."

"If you don't mind, could you close the door in your way out?

"Of course. It was nice to meet you, new neighbor Y/N."

You shook your head softly as tears arrested your voice. "Your attempt at a compliment is kind, but not necessary. Have a good evening."

He paused for a long time. "You, too."

And the second you heard your door click closed, you let the tears fall. Tears you allowed to flood your neck as you waited for his door across the hall to open... and close.

Before your trembling hands snatched your car keys off the kitchen countertop.

I need an air mattress.

[virtie333]

Twenty questions for fanfic writers

I was tagged by @agent-troi and @randomfoggytiger. Thank you! I needed this diversion today!

How many works do you have on AO3?

102

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

892,823

What fandoms do you write for?

Star Wars (sequel and original trilogy), The X-Files, Triple Frontier (still have a Moon Knight WIP, too!)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Kinetic

Flight 814

Eyes in the Night

Let's Get This Show on the Road

My Best Friend's Weddings

Do you respond to comments?

Yes! Sometimes I only have the energy for an emoji or two, but I always respond.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I always have happy endings... unless they are a cliffhanger because I was already planning another fic in the series. My craziest cliffhanger was definitely Let's Face the Music and Dance.

What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

All of them? LOL Uhm, probably my happiest ending was Kinetic, because it was the actual ending of The Rise of Skywalker, only elaborated upon (Poe Dameron was on the Millennium Falcon at the end of that movie, dammit!)

Do you get hate on fics?

No hate, thank God. I did get a few people complaining I had tagged Rey/Ben Solo in My Best Friend's Weddings, but I informed them that half of the fics that end up in the Rey/Poe tag are Reylo, so they have nothing to complain about. I was warned that by doing that I would get Reylo hate, and I did not, so that made me happy.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yep. I usually include it in my long fics and the occasional smutty short, but I don't write PWP. My smut is pretty vanilla (one reader called it 'classy,' which made my day), but I do have a little bit of a praise kink myself, so that comes out sometimes.

Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Nope.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of. I was fairly well know back in my X-File days, and I think someone would have let me know if they saw my stuff without my name on it.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes! I know I had a few of my X-Files fics translated years ago, and one of my Damerey, Just In Time, thanks to @marieziffer!

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I was part of a crazy multi-writer X-File fic way back in the day. We wrote the thing on the fly, taking turns for every chapter. It was on the Delphi Forums X-File site. I have no clue what happened to it, but I know we never finished it!

What’s your all time favorite ship?

I am going to have to say Damerey, because I've been obsessed with it for over four years now. However, I will always love MSR and Han/Leia, and may yet write for both again someday.

What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I hope to God I can finish them all! My Moon Knight is waiting patiently for me to finish this crazy Sequel rewrite, and my angsty Damerey is also always on my mind.

What are your writing strengths?

I've been told my dialog is very realistic, and I've been told my smut is good, too. LOL

What are your writing weaknesses?

I find when I re-read my stuff that I favor certain phrases and use them a little too often. I also have a hard time writing action, but again, I've been told I do it well, so the struggle is worth it, I guess.

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I like it, as long as it's minimal. I don't want to have to always look up what things mean and I don't want my readers to, either.

First fandom you wrote for?

Depends. I was writing Star Wars back in Junior High/High School, but nothing anybody ever read. I also wrote for Jack and Jennifer from Days of Our Lives back than. My first 'published' fanfiction was for The X-Files.

Favorite fic you’ve written?

OMG. This is tough. I really love a lot of my stuff ('write what you want to read' is my motto!). I think I'm going to have to go with El Halcón.

Thank you, muchly! No pressure tags for @romanarose, @ivystoryweaver, @melodygatesauthor, @reallyrallyauthor, @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction, @walkawaytall, @phoenix-rising-starbird-one, @diplomaticprincess, @missdictatorme, and whoever else wants to do it (not sure who all has AO3, but you can always skip that part if not!)

[msweebyness]

Class of Heroes AU: Heroic Quotes

@artzychic27, I see you, and I raise you….

Thanks and credit to the above and to @imsparky2002! And to Disney for the quotes!

——

Marinette: It's going to take a miracle to get me into this school.

[Plagg’s shadow appears in giantic form and surrounded by flames]

Plagg: Did I hear someone ask for a miracle?! Let me hear you say "Ahhhh"!

Marinette: [in fear] AaAaah!

Plagg: That's close enough!

———

Adrien: [Mercenaries appear] Who's that?

Félix: They don't like me.

Adrien: [the castle guards appear] Who's that?

Félix: They don't like me either.

Adrien: [Maximus appears] Who's that?

Félix: Let's just assume for the moment that everyone in here doesn't like me!

———

Alya: Listen here, missy. This stick in the mud has had to work two jobs her whole life while you've been sucking on a silver spoon, sitting on your lazy butt, in your - your ivory tower!

Chloé: [glances away] Actually, it's polished marble.

———

Nino: What in the world did I do with that magic wand? I-I was sure I...

Zoé: Magic wand?

Nino: That's strange. I-I always...

Zoé: Why, then you must be...

Nino: Your Fairy Godbrother? Of course. Now, where is that wand? I- Oh! I forgot. I put it away.

———

Security Fairy: Step aside, please. Random security check.

Denise: Random, my ass! You always stop me.

Security Fairy: I'm just doing my job. Name?

Denise: Lara Croft.

Security Fairy: Name?

Denise: Demolition Denise!

Security Fairy: And where you coming from?

Denise: Uh, the woods? From Nature Survival Class?

Security Fairy: Okay, then, where you headed?

Denise: Study Hall.

Security Fairy: Anything to declare?

Denise: I hate you.

Security Fairy: I get that a lot. Proceed.

———

Aurore: A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face!

———

Ismael: Oi! Ten thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck.

———

Alix: [to Austin T.] I've been looking all over for you!

Austin T.: [whispering] What are you doing?

Alix: [whispering] Just play along.

Shopkeeper: You, uh, know this young man?

Alix: Sadly, yes. He is my brother. He’s a little crazy.

Shopkeeper: He said he knew the sultan!

Alix: [gesturing to Jalil] He thinks the monkey is the sultan.

Austin T.: [bowing to Jalil] O wise Sultan, how may I serve you?

[Jalil mutters gibberish]

Alix: Tragic, isn't it? But, no harm done. Now, come along, bro. Time to go see the doctor.

Austin T.: [to a camel] Oh, hello, Doctor. How are you?

Alix: [through her teeth] No, no, no, not that one... Come on, Sultan!

———

Ondine: (Holding a fork) Have you ever seen something so wonderful in your entire life?

———

Young Mireille: What's a motto?

Alec: Nothing, what's a motto-with-you?

Theo: Nice!

Alec: Boom!

———

Nathaniel: Uh-oh.

Jean: Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall.

Nathaniel: Yep.

Jean: Sharp rocks at the bottom?

Nathaniel: Most likely.

Jean: Bring it on.

———

Kim: Guys, you gotta admit. That…was pretty heroic. (Falls flat on his face)

———

Marc: What is that amazing smell?

Marc/Kiran: Chocolate.

(Both laugh)

———

Bob Roth: Stop! You can't do this to me, you can't...

[Kim punches his face in]

Bob Roth: Fine, okay, well I deserved that.

———

Mylene: [to the doves] Want to know a secret? Promise not to tell?

[singing]

Mylene: We are standing by a wishing well. Make a wish into the well, that's all you have to do! And if you hear it echoing, your wish will soon come true.

[marshallfan99]

Happy 10th Anniversary, PAW Patrol!!!

Wow, I can't believe it's already been 10 years...it feels like it was just recently that I was sitting there in the living room of my family's vacation rental home in front of the TV and watching the premiere episode with my brothers...and then spending the rest of the week in front of the TV watching new episodes every day because I couldn't do anything else with a giant cast on my dominant arm. Marshall and the other pups kept me occupied during that otherwise painful vacation, and I've stuck with PAW Patrol ever since.

(That's only ONE of the MANY Marshall moments that cheered me up and made me laugh during that week.)

(And here's another one...also relatable since I'm always falling down stairs and stuff 😅)

This show has helped me through so many tough times in my life, like depression, anxiety, etc. It acts as a great escape from reality, an amazing source of comfort, something that's easy to just turn on and watch when I need to unwind or want something I can have lighthearted fun with, it's easy to just turn it on after meltdowns or when my brain is fried and veg out to it since it's harmless fun that doesn't cause intense emotional responses from me, and I even binge it during nights where I have insomnia! It's so important to me, and it even saved my life a couple times...yep, that's right, the pups have saved me too, that's how much of an impact they've had on me. They've taught me so many things as well, from the importance of teamwork, to never giving up when things get "ruff" (hehe, sorry I had to, that's my inner Marshall at work 😅), to always looking out for your friends and helping them whenever you can, to "Do my best, and forget the rest!", to the very important message of you don't have to have superpowers to be a hero (this one was WAY before Mighty Pups was a thing).

(Seriously this is one of my mottos, thanks for that lesson, Marshall!)

(Had to put a Mighty Pups GIF in here after ending the paragraph by mentioning it lol)

I never stopped liking PAW Patrol even during the time I had to take a break from it for my mental health reasons, and I actually missed it so much during my time away from it. Eventually I decided I couldn't stay away any longer and came back to it with the goal of using it to help me overcome my severe PTSD siren phobia, which is why I had to step away in the first place...and it's working! I can actually watch it now without freaking out and going into panic mode which is great because now I can watch my favorite show with no problems, just like I used to!

When PAW Patrol premiered back in 2013, it VERY quickly became a special interest for me even though I was NEVER in the target age range for it, being in my early teens when it premiered, and I'm also actually afraid of dogs in real life...cartoon dogs like the PAW Patrol pups are cool though, and Marshall is my favorite cartoon dog of all time, and he's actually tied with a Pokemon (another special interest of mine) character for my number one favorite fictional character of all time! He's so relatable, adorable, funny, and has a truly PAWsome personality! Also the fact that he is TWO THIRDS of 911, BY HIMSELF is pretty amazing too in my opinion. Unfortunately his skills aren't needed much anymore in the newer seasons, which makes me kinda sad. I wish he got more screentime in the newer seasons...but instead it's always Chase and Skye now. I am still hoping for him to get his own focus movie though. I'm holding myself back from going on and on about Marshall this time, I've done that enough in my Marshall appreciation post and this whole account already and this is supposed to be about PAW Patrol as a whole anyway, not just him 😅

(The most PAWsome team ever!)

My parents don't really approve of me getting and playing with the toys and merch, but I can still get it thanks to my grandma who knows how important PAW Patrol is to me...in fact, I just got a couple of Mighty Pups t-shirts (because of the upcoming Mighty Movie) thanks to her, one of them featuring a huge image of Mighty Marshall (of course, that one is my favorite), the other one featuring an image of Mighty Chase, Marshall, Rubble, and Skye with the text, "Mighty Pup Power!" I was so thrilled to learn that there are officially licensed PAW Patrol shirts in adult sizes and had to get some! If anyone else wants to get some PAW Patrol shirts in your size, Amazon has plenty of adult-sized PAW Patrol shirts to choose from, with some PAWsome designs too! I'm so happy that the creators know that this show has a strong teen/adult fanbase, and acknowledge us by making shirts that fit us! And I'm so happy that this show exists!

(This is my favorite part of the opening theme!)

(Cute dancing pups from the movie!)

This has been a long rambly post, but I really wanted to post something for PAW Patrol's 10th anniversary, and talk about how much it means to me. Growing up autistic and with no friends, just bullies for the majority of my life because of it, made me turn to the TV for comfort, and I often saw the characters on TV shows I watched as my friends. I had a very lonely life and when PAW Patrol premiered, I found seven new friends in the pups and Ryder (with Marshall being my best friend), and I tuned in for every new episode when I could, to watch their latest adventures. Starting with Everest, each time a new pup (or cat) has been added to the team has felt to me like I also gained a new friend as well, even though I do have actual friends now, the PAW Patrol still feel like friends to me. It wasn't a "phase" like my parents had always said, it still isn't a "phase"...it's a HUGE part of my life and I'm extremely grateful that PAW Patrol is still going strong even after 10 years and 10 seasons.

Happy 10th, PAW Patrol! And here's to many more years and adventures to come in the future!